Iran blocks Google, launching own domestic internet network

The Iranian government has announced plans to launch its own domestic internet network, according to a report from Reuters.

A government deputy minister reportedly made the announcement on Sunday, while also revealing on state television that, prior to the new network’s launch, both Google’s search engine and Gmail would be filtered “until further notice.”

Iran readies domestic Internet system, blocks Google.

The report says that the move may be in response to the trailer for the controversial film Innocence of Muslims, which set off a wave of protests after appearing on YouTube.

Iranians commonly overcome the government filter by using virtual private network (VPN) software that makes the computer appear as if it is based in another country.

According to Iranian media, the domestic system would be fully implemented by March 2013 but it was not clear whether access to the global Internet would be cut once the Iranian system is rolled out.